Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala has paid an emotional tribute to late Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, days after honouring him during Nigeria’s opening match at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Oshoala, who scored Nigeria’s first goal in the 3-0 victory over Tunisia on Sunday, had Rufai’s name boldly written on a band wrapped around her wrist during the game.
Following the match, the Barcelona striker took to Instagram on Tuesday to share pictures from a previous march, where she also wore the band. She captioned the post:
“Our flag 🇳🇬 does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of our gone heroes. Thank you Dodo Mayana….Rest on Legend !🕊️🕊️”
Nicknamed Dodo Mayana, Rufai died on July 3 in Lagos after a reported cardiac arrest. He was 61.
The former Deportivo La Coruña and Farense shot-stopper was part of Nigeria’s golden generation that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and made historic appearances at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups.
Oshoala’s decision to honour Rufai instead of late Liverpool forward Diogo Jota who also died recently sparked reactions online, with many praising her for prioritising a Nigerian legend.
“She’s the real Agba baller,” one user wrote. “She didn’t forget her own.”
Oshoala, a six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, is currently one of Nigeria’s key players at WAFCON 2025, as the team looks to retain their title.
Rufai’s death makes him the sixth member of Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON squad to pass away, joining Rashidi Yekini, Stephen Keshi, Thompson Oliha, Uche Okafor, and Wilfred Agbonavbare.
